It seems the Green Bay Packers are always stocked with young talent. In 2011, they drafted Randall Cobb in the second round, No. 64 overall, and he showed he is a promising wide receiver and explosive return man.

In 2010, they hit on offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga in the first round at No. 23 and found running back James Starks in the sixth; their rookie year, Bulaga started and Starks was a postseason star. With a couple of first-round picks in 2009, the Packers added two Pro Bowl players in defensive tackle B.J. Raji at No. 9 and linebacker Clay Matthews at No. 26.

The 2008 draft brought wideout Jordy Nelson (second round, No. 36) and tight end Jermichael Finley (third round, No. 91). Both have been key members of the receiving corps. Of course, Green Bay’s most important pick in recent years came in 2005, when it took quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the 24th overall selection.

The person responsible for keeping the Packers stockpiled is general manager Ted Thompson, who is Sporting News' executive of the year for the second time; the first came in 2007. Thompson, with 14 votes, finished ahead of San Francisco 49ers GM Trent Baalke (seven), Houston Texans GM Rick Smith (five) and Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown (three).

Though the Packers didn't repeat as Super Bowl champs, they are in position to remain contenders for years to come, thanks largely to Thompson’s front office acumen.

What’s his secret? Thompson says he doesn’t have one. He works hard and trusts what a prospect does on the field more than his measurements.

“I look for good players,” Thompson said at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine. “There are probably ideal heights and lengths and stuff like that in terms of body makeup that you look for, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into the best 3-4 outside linebacker. James Harrison of Pittsburgh does not fit those height-length requirements, but he’s a marvelous player. As much as we can, we try to stick with guys that have proven they can play the game.”

Of the 22 players who started for the Packers in Super Bowl XLV, 15 were drafted by Thompson. The Packers are one of the league’s most talented teams but also one of the youngest. That’s a great combination—one Thompson is responsible for.

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About the awards

Sporting News polled 632 NFL players, coaches and executives for our awards. Everyone voted for offensive and defensive player of the year, rookie of the year and comeback player of the year. Only the 32 coaches and executives from that group voted for coach of the year, coordinator of the year and executive of the year. Thirty coaches and executives voted for the All-Pro team.